The other finalists include: 

• Gustavo Balderas, Eugene School District 4J, Eugene, Ore.
• Samantha Fuhrey, Newton County School System, Covington, Ga.
• Michael Nagler, Mineola Public Schools, Mineola, N.Y. 

“This announcement represents an opportunity for AASA to recognize the tremendous work and outstanding leadership carried out by four ambassadors of public education who I would refer to as ‘champions for children,’” said Daniel A. Domenech, executive director, AASA. “The National Superintendent of the Year® program celebrates both these education thought leaders and the critical role public education plays in our society. We are grateful to AIG Retirement Services and First Student for supporting our program.”

The National Superintendent of the Year® program, now in its 33^rd year, is open to all U.S. superintendents who plan to continue in the profession. The program also honors international school superintendents. The applicants were measured against the following criteria:

• Leadership for learning – creativity in successfully meeting the needs of students in the school system
• Communication – strength in both personal and organizational communication
• Professionalism – constant improvement of administrative knowledge and skills, while providing professional development opportunities and motivation to others on the education team
• Community involvement – active participation in local community activities and an understanding of regional, national and international issues

A $10,000 college scholarship will be presented in the name of the 2020 National Superintendent of the Year® to a student in the high school from which the superintendent graduated, or the school now serving the same area.